Testing the relation between dispositional optimism and conditioned pain modulation: does ethnicity matter?

Greater dispositional optimism has been related to less severe pain; however, whether optimism is associated with endogenous pain modulation has not yet been examined. The beneficial effects of dispositional optimism often vary according to cultural dynamics. Thus, assessing optimism–pain relationships across different ethnic groups is warranted. This study sought to examine the association between optimism and conditioned pain modulation (CPM), and test whether this association differs according to ethnicity. Optimism and CPM were assessed in a sample of healthy, ethnically diverse young adults. CPM was determined by comparing pressure pain thresholds obtained before and during exposure to a cold pressor task. All participants completed a validated measure of dispositional optimism. Greater reported optimism was significantly associated with enhanced CPM, and the strength of this association did not vary according to individuals’ ethnic background. These findings suggest that an optimistic disposition may potentiate endogenous pain inhibition.     

Highly Improved Thermal Properties of Hydroxyl‐Containing Polymers via Modification by Benzoxazine Groups

Isocyanate functional benzoxazine (NCO‐4HBA‐a) is used for coupling with hydroxyl‐group‐containing molecules. Glycerol is used in a model reaction to study the urethane bonds formed between the NCO‐4HBA‐a and the glycerol's hydroxyl groups. The model supports a reaction between NCO‐4HBA‐a and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), which leads to an improved char yield, determined by thermogravimetric analysis. Glycerol‐based benzoxazine is also an attractive benzoxazine synthesized from the products of biofuel production. Upon functionalization with benzoxazine and subsequent thermal treatment, the hydroxyl‐containing polymer gains thermal stability shown by improved char yield of polybenzoxazine cross‐linked PVA.

     

Atrial function in the Fontan circulation: comparison with invasively assessed systemic ventricular filling pressure

The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging - Abnormal atrial mechanics in biventricular circulations have been associated with elevated left heart filling pressures. Similar associations...     

Free functioning gracilis transplantation for reconstruction of elbow and hand functions in late obstetric brachial plexus palsy

Background: In late obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP), restoration of elbow and hand functions is a difficult challenge. The use of free functioning muscle transplantation in late OBPP was very scarcely reported. In this study, we present our experience on the use of free functioning gracilis transfer for restoration of elbow and hand functions in late cases of OBPP. Patients and Methods: Eighteen patients with late OBPP underwent free gracilis transfer for reconstruction of elbow and/or hand functions. The procedure was indicated when there was no evidence of reinnervation on EMG and in the absence of local donors. Average age at surgery was 102.5 months. Patients were evaluated using the British Medical Research Council (MRC) grading system and the Toronto Active Movement Scale. Hand function was evaluated by the Raimondi scoring system. Results: The average follow‐up was 65.8 ± 41.7 months. Contraction of the transferred gracilis started at an average of 4.5 ± 1.03 months. Average range of elbow flexion significantly improved from 30 ± 55.7 to 104 ± 31.6 degrees (P <0.001). Elbow flexion power significantly increased with an average of 3.8 grades (P = 0.000147). Passive elbow range of motion significantly decreased from an average of 147 to 117 degrees (P = 0.003). Active finger flexion significantly improved from 5 ± 8.3 to 63 ± 39.9 degrees (P < 0.001). Finger flexion power significantly increased with an average 2.7 grades (P < 0.001). Only 17% achieved useful hand (grade 3) on Raimondi hand score. Triceps reconstruction resulted in an average of M4 power and 45 degrees elbow extension. Conclusion: Free gracilis transfer may be a useful option for reconstruction of elbow and/or hand functions in late OBPP. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:350–355, 2015.     

Novel approach to the newborn with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and intact atrial septum.

A prenatally diagnosed fetus with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and intact atrial septum was delivered in the cardiac catheterization suite. Using radio frequency energy, a transseptal perforation of the thickened and intact atrial septum was immediately performed following transcatheter cannulation of the right atrium via the umbilical vein. Serial cutting balloon septostomies followed by static balloon septostomies resulted in effective left atrial decompression, atrial mixing, and optimal pulmonary and systemic perfusion. The child is now thriving after both stage I Norwood and bidirectional Glenn procedures.